Florida Atlantic University track and field star Danielle Aromashodu dreams of being a professional runner. The senior has made her mark at FAU and wants to continue developing into a world-class athlete.

"My goal is to pick up where I left off last season and continue to get better," said Aromashodu. "Now that we are competing in Conference USA, we can't be timid. I want to come out strong, do well and set myself apart."

Aromashodu, who serves as team captain, holds the FAU record in the 400 meter hurdles (58.33) and is a three-time Sun Belt Conference Champion in the event. In her career at FAU, she has qualified for three consecutive NCAA outdoor preliminary championships. She is looking forward to the upcoming C-USA Outdoor Championships and making a statement to her teammates and competitors.

"Danielle has grown tremendously in her time at FAU and has made a major contribution on the 4x400 meter relays," said John Guarino, FAU's assistant coach. "She has lead by example both on the track and in the classroom. As a senior, she is more focused and determined to win her fourth-consecutive conference title."

In the C-USA indoor tournament held last week, Aromashodu and team finished seventh in the 4X400 meter relay with a final time of 3:47.49, just 0.09 short of the school record. She also competed in the 400 meter dash and finished 19th. In May, she will compete in the C-USA Outdoor Championship, running in the 400 meter hurdles, her best event.

"I am giving it my all in practice while working on building my speed and endurance," Aromashodu said. "My focus, last week, was on the relay event. I wanted to lower our team time and bring those skills to the outdoor competition."

Participating in sports has been a family staple. Her brother, Devin, recently retired from the NFL, where he played for both the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears. Her mother, Dorothy, ran track and played basketball, while her father Inkey played football in high school.

"My family is definitely supportive of me and my goals," said Aromashodu. "My parents come to every in-state meet to cheer me on, and it encourages me to do better when they are there."

Aromashodu, a Miami native, began participating in track when she was 10 years old, running for Miami Northwest Express Track Club. She was with the club until she was 16 and then turned her focus toward high school competition. She received offers to run track from the University of Florida, FIU, Jacksonville University and many others. FAU was her first choice because she liked the team dynamic and felt at home on campus.

Once she graduates from FAU, Aromashodu would like to run professionally. She is working on getting dual citizenship in the United States and Nigeria, where her father is originally from, so she has the option to represent either country.

"I would really like to get a sponsor right out of college so that I can afford to travel for competitions world-wide," said Aromashodu. "It has always been a dream of mine to compete in the Olympics, whether it is for the U.S. or Nigeria."

When she is not on the track, Aromashodu enjoys going to the beach, having lunch on the water and shopping with her roommate.

The FAU Outdoor season begins on March 21 in Miami, FL at the Hurricane Invitational. The C-USA Outdoor Championships begin on May 15 in Houston, Texas. For more information about future meets, please visit FAUsports.com.